Tag: running with your dog

But what about that running buddy sitting patiently at your front door, thumping his tail and looking longingly at his leash? I think he has wisdom to offer, and my fellow dog-owning Saltines agree. So here’s a few tidbits we’ve picked up from our own pups that we think will guide your running journey!

I know I’m not the typical Salty contributor and you’re probably wondering how I got my paws on this post. But rest assured, the humans know I’m here. Avocado belongs to me and asked if I would be interested in guest posting to share my experiences and expertise on how to train for a 6-legged 5k.

Of course, I was excited. The humans rarely ask me for running feedback, which I can’t seem to make heads or tails of seeing as I’m twice as capable as them (double the legs, duh). Anywho, happy to share my take and offer a little guidance to any of our pup readers looking to take on this challenge with their human.

To begin, let’s talk about training, and not the kind that involves us fooling our humans into countless treats until we “learn” to stay. As a rescue, much of my early days were spent on the run so the cardio and endurance came naturally to me, as it does for many. If that’s the case for you, the most important thing in training is learning that there is, in fact, another speed besides “Go” or “squirrel.” It takes practice and patience to hone those skills. Personally, I think the most challenging part for us pups is teaching our humans to heel. In my experience, they have a tendency to want to keep a consistent speed. Humans, am I right? While it’s not in our nature, allow them to lead for the most part, but don’t be afraid to add that occasional fartlek training, especially in particularly wooded or squirrely areas.

If endurance isn’t your forte, it’s important to start by getting those miles on your paws. Morgan’s mom, Chicory, wrote about this here. Be consistent and try to get your human out with you at least a couple times a week. Pups, most of you know the basics on how to do this but a few effective tactics include: whining incessantly, destroying precious property, pooping in the house and the one I’ve found most effective, an uncontrollable bout of the zoomies. Get out and practice these 2-3 mile jogs a few times a week until you start to feel like that dash-out-the-door energy becomes more sustainable.

When it comes to race day, it’s up to you to help push (or in this case pull) them a little when they start to slow. Don’t be afraid to let that race day adrenaline take over and pick up the clip toward the end. Sniff some butts in front of you and work that tail. There are treats at the end so when your four dogs start barkin’, just remember, it will be worth it!

Most importantly, have fun! The majority of us pups are your average fur-to-5k type, so take off the pressure. The likelihood of you making it to the PuppyBowl is pretty slim so just enjoy it! Your humans will thank you and you’ll likely score an Insta feature (#goals). So buckle down that collar and get your furry butt in gear — it’s 5k season!

Reminder: Check with your vet before starting running with your dog. This post gives some guidance on the age and types of dogs suitable for running, but always get the go-ahead from your vet!

When we first brought our Labrador Retriever home, he was a seven-week old ball of energy and curiosity. It took some time to name him, as the family had the hardest time agreeing. It was so challenging, in fact, that we almost went to therapy over it.

In any event, our pup was eventually given the name “Eli” and he quickly became a most lovable member of our little family.

Eli arrived right before I took up running again. He may have even been an catalyst for my decision; albeit an unconscious one. After all, I hadn’t run for close to 15 years, and just nine months after Eli’s arrival, I was lacing up and hitting the roads in local 5ks.

Labradors have A LOT of energy, and so do I, so maybe we both needed to run.

My new running partner makes sure I get out of bed in the morning, reminds me to appreciate being in nature, and is happy to run as far as I want to. Morgan is younger than me, but she’s great company. She’s also our new dog.

Mr. Chic and I adopted her from a rescue agency at the end of May — an Australian Shepherd somewhere between one and two years old. We don’t know her history; the rescue agency received her from a county shelter that picked her up as a stray.

Since we’ve had her, I’ve consulted online resources and talked to two veterinarians about getting her started running. This won’t surprise any other dog owners out there, but dogs are a lot like people. Some are good runners, some aren’t. While there are some breed characteristics that influence running ability, a lot of it depends on the individual dog. Read more >>

I have never been a dog-lover; I’m not automatically drawn in by their slobbery, furry faces, and big, unleashed dogs scare me. So in March last year my friends were shocked when we got a Yorkie puppy. Scout joined our family of not-dog-people, with my attitude made more negative by my breedist belief that he was destined to be a purse dog who couldn’t even run with me. What was the point?

Flash-forward to now, and somehow this seven-pound scruffy little creature has become one of my best running companions. He is always available, always excited, and never complains. At first he rode in the stroller with my daughter, and when he wanted out so badly that I finally let him, he shocked me by keeping up for miles at a time, his tiny legs moving so fast he seemed to fly. He has gone up to 10 miles so far and can hang at any pace from 6:30 per mile and up.

I built up his endurance over a matter of months and now the second my running dresser drawer opens, he sits underneath it, wagging his entire body in utter anticipation as I get dressed. When the winter weather kept me on the ‘mill for weeks on end, his doggy depression was obvious and I found him curled up on my sweaty running clothes more than once. This little dog is a runner with the heart of a champion.

Being a first-time dog owner and converted dog-lover I decided to talk to a vet to get more information about bringing your dog along on runs, picking a breed if you’re in the market for a running dog, how to know if you’re pushing your pup too hard, and whether or not Bowzer needs a Gu mid-run.